Report: Year-over-year retail sales edge up 0.3%

Chicago ShopperTrak released its National Retail Sales Estimate late Tuesday, which showed year-over-year GAFO retail sales increased a slight 0.3% for the week ending March 20, while sales rose 1.8% versus the previous week ending March 13.

GAFO sales once again increased as the warm weather in the Midwest and Northeast regions spurred spending last week. ShopperTrak reported year-over-year sales increased for the sixth consecutive week, a trend the company expects to continue with spring breaks and the upcoming Easter holiday driving sales and traffic.

“Although the South experienced some cooler weather, the favorable temperatures in the remainder of the country added to the beginning of spring break helped boost both year-over-year and week-over-week sales,” said Bill Martin, co-founder of ShopperTrak. “We anticipate sales will remain positive and possibly even increase over the next two weeks as a large percentage of students are officially on spring break followed by the relatively strong Easter.”

After Easter, ShopperTrak’s historical data shows retailers will experience a bit of a sales and traffic lull throughout April until early May when Mother’s Day shopping occurs, added Martin.

GAFO encompasses general merchandise, apparel, furniture, sporting goods, electronics, hobby, books and other related store sales.